A Royston woman who was inspired to become a community first responder after looking after her sick mother is urging more people to come forward to help provide emergency care in the town.

Laraine Upton became a CFR after she became the primary carer for her mother, whose health had been in decline for some time.

Laraine said: “She had been unwell for many years, but I could see her health deteriorating and I became drawn into being her main carer for her health matters.

CFRs in Royston and the surrounding areas are based in their own homes in and are then contacted by ambulance control as and when they are needed. They are usually first on the scene, and can tend to patients who could be cardiac arrest, in a diabetic emergency, or those who are unresponsive, having breathing difficulties or seizures, until the ambulance service arrive.

Laraine added: “As a CFR, it is the best feeling when a patient or their family members stop you in the street and say thanks.”

The ambulance service is looking to fill two voluntary positions in Royston. They will be at the town’s May Fayre at Priory Memorial Gardens on May 7 to help drum up interest.